Want to join our community hub?

If you are a local voluntary group, local business  or other agency offering help in the community,  why not join the community hub to help people find support in this time of crisis. It’s free, just fill in the form  at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19volunteer or call 03000 260 260. You will receive a call to verify your details and your service added to Locate. This will help people in need find information about your service.

Want to volunteer?

If you are interested in volunteering as an individual to help people who are confined to their home, you can find your local support groups on Locate. Many are actively seeking new volunteers.

You can also register as a volunteer at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19volunteer and they will try to match you with local residents who you can support. Alternatively you could register to be an NHS Volunteer Responder at www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders

Flyer Support in Co Durham

Coronavirus is making life very difficult for many people and it can be difficult to access the basics. Many of  you will be getting help and support from friends, relatives or local groups. Through #CountyDurhamTogether you can get the help, either through established networks, or from Durham County Council.

You can find a list of local support groups and organisations that provide assistance on the council’s ‘Locate’ website www.durhamlocate.org.uk just click on the coronavirus section which will guide you to the help you need.

Still need help?

If you don’t have anyone to pick up medication please contact your community pharmacy. If you are unable to access support for help with essentials such as shopping or someone who can listen and support you, please contact us:

• Email help@durham.gov.uk
• fill in the Covid 19 help form at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help
• or call 03000 260 260 and they will connect you to the help you need

You can always get our latest coronavirus information and advice at www.durham.gov.uk

Flyer Support in Co Durham

Neighbourhood Watch encourages protecting the isolated and vulnerable during the COVID 19 outbreak

Neighbourhood Watch exists to look out for communities and at a time like this we encourage you to consider ways to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable.

10 ways you, as a Neighbourhood Watch supporter, can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community:

1. Discuss with household members, relatives, friends and neighbours what the needs of each person will be.
2. If your neighbourhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbours, information, and resources. Alternatively, share phone numbers and email addresses particularly with those who are isolated or vulnerable.
3. Consider establishing a ‘buddy’ system within your community to ensure everyone stays connected to COVID-19 related news, services and can receive support safely, such as essential deliveries.
4. Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications.
5. Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.
6. Learn how to self-isolate. Guidance can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
7. Create an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbours, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
8. Practice everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing.
   1. Practice everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing.
      1. The NHS provides guidance on how to wash hands: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/.
      2. The World Health Organisation provides guidance on basic protective measures: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
      3. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on handwashing for families https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html

Why is social distancing necessary?

Social Distancing is important because coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets – packed with the virus – into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on, then your eyes, nose or mouth.

The less time people spend together, the less chance there is of this happening.

Everyone is now being told to follow self-distancing measures, especially the over-70s, pregnant women and adults normally eligible for a flu jab.

How to self-distance

• Work from home whenever possible
• Avoid all unnecessary travel
• Stay away from crowded places like clubs, theatres and other such social venues
• Avoid gatherings with friends and families wherever possible
• Cafes, pubs and restaurants have been ordered to close – a measure the government will enforce “strictly”

What am I allowed to do when social distancing?

• You can go for a walk or run outdoors if you stay 2m (6ft) away from others
• You can see family and friends if it’s essential
• You can walk your dog
• You can provide essential care for elderly relatives and neighbours if you have no symptoms
• You can go to the shops to buy food and groceries

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolating means staying at home and not leaving it, other than for exercise. Don’t go to work, school or public areas during this time.

If possible, you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials. If you are unable to get supplies delivered, you should do what you can to limit social contact when you do leave the house.

Who should self-isolate?

Everyone who shows coronavirus symptoms – a fever of above 37.8C, a persistent cough or breathing problems – and everyone who lives in the same house or flat as someone with symptoms.

• If you live alone, you must stay at home for seven days from the day symptoms start
• If you or someone you live with has symptoms, then the entire household needs to isolate for 14 days from the day they start
• Anyone in the household who starts displaying new symptoms during the 14-day period will need to stay at home for seven more days, regardless of how long they have already been isolated

Household Isolation Poster

NHS Handwashing Poster

NHS Coronavirus Poster